July is one of the liveliest months in the Ann Arbor area, bursting with festivals, concerts, and cultural events that celebrate the vibrant spirit of the community. With warm weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities, explore local art, and connect with neighbors and visitors.

From renowned art fairs and live music to family-friendly happenings and food festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, July offers plenty of reasons to get out and experience the best of Ann Arbor’s summer scene.

Here are some top events throughout July 2025, helping you plan a fun-filled month in this dynamic city.

Arts + Culture

2025 Dart for Art

Corner of N University Ave & S State St
July 15th, 5-8 p.m.

Kick off your Ann Arbor Art Fair experience with the 11th annual Dart for Art, a vibrant one-mile run/walk through the heart of downtown. Open to all ages and abilities, this community event blends fitness, fun, and creativity. The evening begins with race-day registration at 4 p.m., followed by the Kids’ Dash at 6 p.m., the Fast/Elite Runner Race at 6:15 p.m., and the Community Race at 6:30 p.m.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun evening out, Dart for Art offers a unique way to engage with Ann Arbor’s artistic community. Visit the Dart for Art website above for more information.

Paint the Town Block pARTy

Corner of N University Ave & S State St
July 15th, 5-9 p.m.

Return the day after Dart for Art to the same spot to enjoy the Paint the Town Block pARTy, a festive street celebration that brings Ann Arbor’s creative energy to life. This family-friendly event features live music, interactive art stations, and hands-on activities for all ages. Local food trucks and vendors line the streets, offering everything from gourmet snacks to refreshing summer treats.

Artists, performers, and community organizations come together to transform downtown into an open-air gallery and stage, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrates Ann Arbor’s deep roots in the arts. Whether participating in the fun or simply strolling through the festivities, the Block pARTy is the perfect way to kick off Art Fair and embrace the city’s creative spirit. Visit the Paint the Town Block pARTy website above for more information.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

Downtown Ann Arbor
July 17th-19th

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is the crown jewel of the city’s summer calendar and one of the largest and most anticipated art events nationwide. Spanning three full days and three distinct fairs – the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair, and The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair – this massive event transforms downtown into a unique outdoor art gallery.

With over 1,000 artists, the fair showcases an extraordinary range of work, from fine paintings and photography to sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more. Each fair has its flavor and footprint, offering visitors the chance to explore diverse styles and discover one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the artists who made them.

But art is just the beginning. Throughout the fair, live music performances, demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities are tucked among the booths and along shaded walkways. Many local businesses and restaurants get in on the fun too, offering extended hours, special menus, and outdoor seating so you can soak up the festive atmosphere while enjoying Ann Arbor’s renowned culinary scene.

Crowds can be large, but that’s all part of the energy. Whether you’re a serious collector, a curious browser, or just looking for a lively day out, the Ann Arbor Art Fair offers something for everyone – and is a must-see event for anyone in town during July. Visit the Art Fair’s website above for more information.

Community Celebrations

Ann Arbor Jaycees 35th Annual 4th of July Parade

Line up down N University Ave
July 4th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day with one of Ann Arbor’s most cherished traditions – the 35th Annual 4th of July Parade, hosted by the Ann Arbor Jaycees. This free, family-friendly event brings together the community for a vibrant display of patriotism, creativity, and local pride.

The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. and follows its traditional route: beginning at the intersection of East William Street and North University Avenue, proceeding north on State Street, west on Liberty Street, south on Main Street, east on William Street, and concluding south on Thompson Street. 

Spectators can look forward to an array of colorful floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and community groups representing the diverse fabric of Ann Arbor. Children will delight in the costumed characters and the festive atmosphere that fills the downtown streets. For more information or to participate in the parade, visit the Ann Arbor Jaycees’ official website above.

Rolling Sculpture Car Show

Parking at E Liberty St & S 5th Ave
July 11th, 2-10 p.m.

Downtown Ann Arbor transforms into a vibrant open-air museum during the Rolling Sculpture Car Show, a beloved annual event showcasing over 300 antique, classic, and concept cars. From muscle cars to vintage models, automotive enthusiasts and casual observers alike can admire various vehicles lining Main, Liberty, and Washington Streets.

Admission is free, and you should arrive early to find parking and enjoy the full experience. Visit the Rolling Sculpture Car Show’s website above for more information or to register your vehicle for the event.

Michigan Celtic Festival

Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd
July 11th & 12th

Celebrate Celtic heritage at the 29th annual Michigan Celtic Festival, a lively two-day event featuring traditional music, dance, athletics, and cultural displays. Held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, the festival begins Friday evening with live performances, artisan vendors, and the popular “Mr. Pretty Legs” contest.

Saturday brings a full schedule, including Highland Games, clan parades, Celtic music across multiple stages, dance performances, and a family-friendly Wee Folk area. Workshops, food vendors, and heritage exhibits round out the experience. Visit the Michigan Celtic Festival website above for more information.

Sports

Folds of Honor Firecracker 5K

4th & W Liberty St
July 4th, 8 a.m.

Kick off your Independence Day with the Folds of Honor Firecracker 5K, a high-energy event in downtown Ann Arbor that blends fitness, fun, and patriotic spirit. This 3.1-mile race welcomes runners, walkers, and ruckers of all ages and experience levels to celebrate the holiday with an early morning dash through the city’s heart.

Participants can choose from several unique race divisions. The rucking division challenges racers to carry a weighted rucksack or backpack throughout the course. The flag-carrying division invites entrants to proudly run or walk with a mounted 3×5 American flag from start to finish. For those looking for a quirky twist, the hot-dog-eating division requires participants to eat four hot dogs in 76 seconds before hitting the pavement.

The race begins at 4th and West Liberty Streets and winds through a festive downtown route lined with cheering spectators. All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and a race t-shirt. It’s a spirited way to start your Fourth of July while supporting a great cause. To learn more, visit the Folds of Honor Firecracker 5K above.

Men’s Soccer Match: AFC Ann Arbor vs. Union Macomb

Pioneer High School, 601 W Stadium Blvd
July 8th, 7-8:45 p.m.

Join the excitement as AFC Ann Arbor hosts Union FC Macomb in their final home match of the 2025 USL League Two season. This pivotal game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Hollway Field, located on Pioneer High School’s campus in Ann Arbor.

Tickets are available at $12 online and $15 at the gate, with free admission for children 13 and under. And, bonus: use promo code RR15 for this game to receive a 15% discount on advance tickets. Fans should arrive early to secure seating and enjoy the vibrant match-day atmosphere. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit AFC Ann Arbor’s website above.

Rowfest 2025

Eastern Michigan University’s Ford Lake Rowing Course,
Ford Lake Park, 9075 S Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti
July 12th-20th

RowFest 2025, hosted at the newly enhanced Ford Lake Rowing Course in Ypsilanti, is set to be one of the nation’s premier rowing events. Spanning nine days, this national championship will feature over 350 races across various categories, including youth, U17, U23, open, and masters divisions. The competition will also showcase sprints, relay races, and para-rowing events, offering a comprehensive experience for athletes and spectators.

Beyond the races, RowFest offers a rich array of off-water activities. Attendees can participate in Learn to Row sessions, attend college fairs, engage in coaching clinics, and enjoy social events like happy hours and community gatherings. These events aim to foster community engagement and promote the sport of rowing.

Admission to RowFest is free for spectators, and on-site parking is available for $10 per vehicle. Visit the Rowfest 2025 website above for detailed schedules, registration information, and volunteer opportunities.

Food + Drink

Lavender Harvest Festival

Lavender Lane Farm, 12040 Plank Rd, Milan
July 12th & 13th, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Experience the beauty and fragrance of over 10,000 blooming lavender plants at the 8th Annual Lavender Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event offers a variety of activities, including U-pick lavender, over 50 artisan vendors, food trucks, and a petting farm. Enjoy lavender-infused products, workshops, and free photo opportunities in the picturesque fields.

Admission is $10 per person, and children 12 and under are free. Professional photography requires a scheduled appointment, and pets are not permitted. For more information and tickets, visit the Lavender Harvest Festival’s website above.

72nd Manchester Chicken Broil

Alumni Memorial Field, 600 E Duncan St, Manchester
July 19th

Join the Manchester community for the 72nd annual Chicken Broil, a cherished summer tradition in southeast Michigan. Held at Alumni Memorial Field, this event is renowned for serving approximately 10,000 meals in just four hours, making it one of the Midwest’s largest single-day chicken dinners.

Attendees can enjoy a delicious meal featuring half a broiled chicken, a roll with butter, fresh coleslaw made from a secret local recipe, radishes, chips, and a beverage. Additional treats like locally made gelato are also available. The event offers both on-site dining and a convenient drive-thru pickup option.

Tickets are $13 in advance at select retailers, and $15 online or at the gate. Proceeds support local initiatives such as upgrades to the Manchester Community Schools Athletic Complex and a new greenhouse for Klager Elementary School. Visit the Manchester Chicken Broil website above for more details and ticket information.

26th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

Riverside Park, 2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti
July 25th & 26th

As Michigan’s longest-running celebration of craft beer, the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival showcases hundreds of beers from dozens of local breweries, accompanied by live music, food vendors, and a festive community atmosphere.

The festivities begin on Friday, July 25th, from 5 to 9 p.m., where guests can enjoy a variety of beer tastings with 15 sample tokens included in their admission. On Saturday, July 26th, the event runs from 3 to 10 p.m. Tasting continues until 6 p.m., after which full-size pours are available using drink tickets. The evening wraps up with a concert featuring Keller and The Keels starting at 8 p.m.

For Friday, tickets are priced at $55 in advance and $65 at the gate, while Saturday’s full-day tickets are $60 in advance and $70 at the gate. Those only attending the Saturday evening concert can purchase admission for $40 in advance or $50 at the gate. Designated driver tickets are available at the gate for $20. All attendees must be 21 or older with a valid ID. More details and tickets can be found on the Michigan Brewers Guild website above.

Happy July!

With its unbeatable mix of art, culture, music, food, and outdoor fun, July is when Ann Arbor truly comes alive. Whether you’re catching world-class art at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, dancing to Celtic tunes at the Michigan Celtic Festival, or raising a glass at the Summer Beer Festival, the area offers something for everyone to enjoy. Community parades, lavender fields, soccer matches, and classic cars contribute to the unique energy that defines summer here.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor eager to explore, July is the perfect time to experience the heart and soul of Ann Arbor. Mark your calendars, make your plans, and get ready to celebrate summer in one of Michigan’s most vibrant and welcoming communities.